5-6 million traffic accidents occur on US roads every year, injuring around three million people. If you’re involved in a multi-vehicle car accident, it’s important to be prepared — regardless of whether you’re at-fault or not. Not only does being well-informed help you make an insurance claim, but it can also protect you against another party incorrectly blaming you for the crash.

Call an ambulance and the police

If you or any passengers are injured (even minorly), call an ambulance for medical assistance. You’ll need to tell them the street, mile markers, or traffic signs nearest to you, so they can find you quickly and easily. You should also call the police to report the accident (although this isn’t legally required in all states). If the police can’t come to the scene or leave before taking a report, file one at your nearest police station as soon as possible. Most states give you up to 72 hours to do this, although laws differ from state to state. Also get a copy of the report, which may be beneficial later in the claims process. 

Collect evidence 

It’s important to take down the make, model, color, and registration number of every car involved in the crash. Also note the condition of the cars, number of passengers, and directions they were travelling in. If a car was braking or indicating, record this down and the part it played in the crash. Moreover, if the crash involved a tractor trailer, the situation becomes more complex as tractor trailers are classified as commercial motor vehicles — meaning the driver’s employer may be held liable for the accident (for example, perhaps the employer pressured the driver to skip breaks or failed to provide proper driver safety training). In some cases, driving records and internal company documents must be accessed in order to find who’s ultimately responsible. Fortunately, a tractor trailer accident attorney can perform this work on your behalf, hold the at-fault party responsible, and, if needed, file a lawsuit to win the financial compensation you deserve.

Start an insurance claim 

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to start the claims process. Find out what documents they require from you (such as, proof of claim form). Be sure to ask for clarification when you need it; it’s important you receive all you’re entitled to per your policy and state law. It’s also important to know if there’s a deadline for filing. Again, if the other party was driving a company vehicle, you’ll likely find they have separate insurance policy to their employer. If the driver is an independent contractor, their insurance provider is ultimately liable for your harms and losses. Insurance providers will also probably need to inspect both your vehicles to determine a damage estimate. 

Being involved in a multi-vehicle road crash is a scary and stressful experience. By being prepared for the right steps to take after a road crash, you can better deal with the accident and its aftermath.